Firewise Communities Say Thank You to Pat Leach

The Nevada County Coalition of Firewise Communities has awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to San Juan Ridge resident Pat Leach for her meritorious service to Firewise Communities (FWCs) over the past six years.

A resident of Nevada County since 1997 with husband Steve, Leach is a member and co-leader of the Salmon Mine-East Sages Firewise Community. After assisting with the formation of thirteen Firewise USA® Communities on the Ridge, she joined the Fire Safe Council staff as the Firewise Coordinator from 2021 to 2024.

As a former long-time director on both the North San Juan Fire Protection District Board and the Nevada County Fire Authority Board, Leach was “a born natural for fire advisory visits and Firewise Communities,” said Donn Thane, former board chair of the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County. “She is great at guiding people and making positive recommendations. It was always a pleasure working with her.”

The groups she has helped are grateful for her support, as evidenced by many testimonials:

•    “In 2019, Pat was instrumental in helping us establish Deer Creek Southside FWC.  She assisted us in hiring a forester to expedite the completion of our Risk Assessment and made sure that our Recognition application was up to snuff!  Thereafter, every year Pat would happily answer our renewal questions and proof our renewal application.  She explained Cal Fire’s requirements and even created an excellent Risk Assessment crib sheet. Thanks to Pat for being there for all of us!”  Pamela Esmon, Deer Creek Southside Firewise Community

•    “Pat was invaluable to our Firewise group, guiding us through the annual renewal process. We couldn’t have done it without her!”  Sam Gitchel, Greater Champion Firewise Community

•    “Pat’s advice and knowledge regarding CalFire, NFPA and Firewise USA systems was critical to our formation as the 6B and Friends Firewise Community. Her quick response to questions, no matter how detailed or convoluted, cannot be overstated.  I think I would have quit my position on our Firewise Committee a long time ago if she was not there answering my questions and concerns. She is truly a rare gem in Nevada County’s Firewise world.” Lauren Drutz, 6B and Friends Firewise Community

•    “My annual Action Plan was all wrong and would have been rejected by the NFPA. She saved me a lot of grief.” Bob Long, Sherwood Forest Firewise Community

•    “When I became a new co-leader, I could tell Pat was extremely busy, but she took the time to answer all my questions. Her devotion to her tasks was evident.”  Linda Roemisch, Scott’s Flat Pines Neighborhood Firewise Community

•    “The Greenhorn Firewise Community board appreciates Pat’s dedication very much. She helped us with adding another neighborhood to our FWC, with navigating the Action Plan template on the NFPA portal, with questions about our annual educational activity, and with a problem with Fair Plan discounts for our residents. Her prompt responses and positive, helpful attitude made our problems turn into solutions.” Paige Lettington, Greenhorn Firewise Community

In March 2024, Leach was honored by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors as part of Women’s History Month, receiving the Community Trailblazer Award “for an individual who exemplifies leadership, innovation, and pioneering efforts in our community.”

Leach continues to volunteer many hours in assisting new and renewing Firewise Communities. The Nevada County Coalition of Firewise Communities thanks her for making Nevada County a safer place to live and work because of her dedication to wildfire preparedness.